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Govt Urged to Establish a Postharvest Losses Policy, Framework

Tanzania policy markets action nodes (T-PAN) has proposed that the government develop a policy framework aimed at reducing postharvest losses based off results of a study carried out in in four districts in 2011. The study suggests farmers lose up to 40% of their crop to varying causes, and it looked at maize, paddy, and sorghum. The […]

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Malawi: Maize Shortage Hits Women

Malawi is experiencing a severe maize shortage after two consecutive dry spells. Over two million people face shortages this year, and prices have inflated by 36.6% as of March 2013. http://allafrica.com/stories/201304261129.html?viewall=1&

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AfDB-Funded Project to Boost Cassava, Rice Production Launched in Tanzania

The African Development Bank launched a multi-national project that seeks to improve the value chains of four important staple crops: maize, wheat, cassava, and rice. The project is led by CGIAR and is being implemented in 20 countries. http://www.africasciencenews.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=793:afdb-funded-project-to-boost-cassava-rice-production-launched-in-tanzania-&catid=49:food&Itemid=113

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Corn Center to Help CamSur Farmers Cut Post-Harvest Losses

A corn postharvest processing center in the Phillipines was inaguarated on March 18. The P42 million center will benefit 1,000-2,000 farmers and reduce postharvest losses by up to 5%. http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Corn-center-to-help-CamSur-farmers-cut-post-harvest-losses&id=68068

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Rwanda: Minagri Registers Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses

The Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources recognizes the need for proper postharvest management to minimize loss and maintain production levels. A task force has worked since 2010 to reduce loss of maize to a maximum of 5%, with losses currently declining from 30% in 2009 to 18.5% last year. http://allafrica.com/stories/201302190148.html

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Food Security Debate Needs to Include Stronger Focus on Food Safety

This article argues for the need to include food safety in food security discussions due to the high occurrence of aflatoxin contamination in staple crops such as maize, peanuts, and rice. The dangerous toxin develops due to inadequate storage, posing serious health risks for local consumers and inhibiting market development for smallholder farmers. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/fairtrade-partner-zone/food-security-safety-developing-countries?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRovs67AZKXonjHpfsX86%2BwrXqO1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4EScNkI%2FqLAzICFpZo2FFcH%2FaQZA%3D%3D

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Maize Milling Plan by Zambia’s Cooperatives

The Zambia Cooperative Federation announced development plans to construct maize milling facilities in selected provinces in the country. The facilities will bring processing capacity to communities which need to add value to their crops and produce staple household foods self-sufficiently. The Federation seeks government and stakeholder backing for their plans. http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/business_leaders/maize-milling-plan-by-zambias-cooperatives

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USAID, DuPont Work with Government of Ethiopia to Improve Food Security

Multinational seed company Dupont officially partnered with the United State’s Feed the Future program in Ethiopia. The project aims to increase productivity of smallholder maize farmers by helping reduce postharvest losses by up to 20%, as well as increasing the use of hybrid seeds and improving seed distribution. http://feedthefuture.gov/article/usaid-dupont-work-government-ethiopia-improve-food-security

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Kenyan Farmers Turn to New Weapons Again ‘Osama’

Kenyan farmers are benefitting from metal silo technology that protect grains against pests. Kenyan experts seek to scale-up the project after two years of successful pilot implementation. Pests are thought to cause up to 30% loss of Kenyan maize, the equivalent of about 162 million tonnes per year.  http://allafrica.com/stories/201212180907.html

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Hungary Says Feed Maize Contains Toxin, Tightens Controls

Hungary food safety authorities have found the country’s feed maize supply to be contimated with aflatoxin. Some officials suggest this year’s severe drought might have caused the increased presence of aflatoxin. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/hungary-maize-idUSL5E8NACY620121210

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